Individual consultations provide students with personalized support and guidance tailored to their research needs. We offer appointments in person and over Zoom. Use the link below to make an appointment!
What to Expect
Each consultation is different, because each student has different needs and questions. However, the basic format is the same for everyone. Your consultant will ask some questions to better understand what you are seeking help with, provide suggestions and guidance on your research, and end the consultation by making sure you have your questions answered and perhaps some follow-up suggestions.
Students can receive help with the following topics (but are not limited to these topics):
- Brainstorming a topic
- Defining and focusing research questions
- Discovering alternative search terms for your topic
- Finding and evaluating information resources
- Planning effective research strategies
Research consultations are NOT meant to check citations or proof-read papers.
There are a few things you can do ahead of time to make your consultation as helpful for you as possible:
- Know where you should go for your consultation. You can find that information in your confirmation email.
- Know your assignment requirements. It’s also helpful to bring those documents as well as any existing work to your appointment.
- Come to your appointment with an open mind and some sense of what you’d like to accomplish.
Individual Consultation Policies
Appointment Limits
There are no limitations with appointments. If students feel they will benefit from scheduling another appointment to check back in on their progress, they are encouraged to do so!
Cancellations, No Shows, and Late Arrivals
You may cancel your appointment up to 4 hours before your session. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late to your session, we may mark it as a no show and give that time to another speaker. If you cancel, miss, or arrive late to 3 appointments in one semester, you will be blocked from making appointments for the rest of the semester. Please contact us at tlasconsultations@library.illinois.edu in the case of extenuating circumstances.
Right to refer elsewhere
Our research consultations are meant for students who are primarily first and second years, and/or are in general studies or introductory classes. Our consultations are also not meant for proof-reading papers or checking citations. Please know that if our consultants feel that your research falls outside their expertise (i.e. higher level, graduate courses) or our purpose, they may refer you to other resources that are better suited for your needs. If you want to make sure your support needs fall within our area, please email us at tlasconsultations@library.illinois.edu.